2) If this doesn't fix the problem, or if the problem recurs again quickly and doesn't respond to another manual cleaning, as a last resort you can try removing and physically cleaning the printhead. Here is a description from Scott Martin:
"When we couldn't get a head to clear after several cleanings we called Canon and they suggested buying a new head. Since it was "trash" I decided I might as well remove the head and try to clean it manually. That's when found this lovely dried "goober" on it. Normally I would wet a microcloth and wipe the head with it. On this occasion a paper towel was the only thing I could find (I know) so I wet it and ran it once, firmly over the print head. Looked like new afterwards - the dried goober was completely gone. I put it back in the printer and it's worked fine ever since.
For anyone that gets a print head error message I'd suggest removing and wiping any head with a wet microcloth before replacing it. It's worth a try (and maybe $550)"
3) If steps 1 and 2 both fail, you will have to purchase a new printhead
Here is a photo showing the printhead with "goober" on the left and the cleaned printhead on the right:
What options are there to fix a "Clean Printhead" Message?
1) First, run a manual printhead cleaning
2) If this doesn't fix the problem, or if the problem recurs again quickly and doesn't respond to another manual cleaning, as a last resort you can try removing and physically cleaning the printhead. Here is a description from Scott Martin:
"When we couldn't get a head to clear after several cleanings we called Canon and they suggested buying a new head. Since it was "trash" I decided I might as well remove the head and try to clean it manually. That's when found this lovely dried "goober" on it. Normally I would wet a microcloth and wipe the head with it. On this occasion a paper towel was the only thing I could find (I know) so I wet it and ran it once, firmly over the print head. Looked like new afterwards - the dried goober was completely gone. I put it back in the printer and it's worked fine ever since.
For anyone that gets a print head error message I'd suggest removing and wiping any head with a wet microcloth before replacing it. It's worth a try (and maybe $550)"
3) If steps 1 and 2 both fail, you will have to purchase a new printhead
Here is a photo showing the printhead with "goober" on the left and the cleaned printhead on the right: